Fungal diseases of nails are included in the group of diseases of an infectious nature, the causative agents of which are pathogenic fungi. A huge number of people worldwide suffer from fungal diseases of nails.
Ways of infection with fungal diseases of the nails
According to the results of recent studies, it can be concluded that, as a rule, infection with nail fungus occurs in members of the same family who are constantly in direct contact with each other.
According to statistics, more than fifty percent of affected nails are affected by a fungus. Moreover, infection by fungus upon contact does not happen in all cases. For example, with reduced immunity, infection is more likely to occur. In addition, infection with a fungal infection of the nails can occur in the sauna or pool, in the gym or in contact with uninfected manicure and pedicure tools, etc.
The development of fungal nail disease
Fungal infection, penetrating the nail plate, can be localized at the edge of the nail, on the sides of the nail plate, near the cuticle of the nail or affect the entire nail plate. Affected by a fungal infection, the nails lose their healthy structure – they turn yellow and cloud, break and crumble. Over time, the nail affected by the fungus loses its luster and becomes thicker. The thickening of the affected nail is due to the active process of keratinization of the nail plate. The fastest nail crumbles on the sides.
The fungus, as a rule, first affects one nail, then spreads to the remaining nails. However, it happens that the fungus remains only on the first affected nail, without switching to others.
Treatment of fungal diseases of nails
Treatment of fungal diseases of the nails should be comprehensive. In the treatment of fungal diseases of the nails, it is necessary to strengthen and maintain general immunity, use local antifungal drugs, as well as means to normalize the general blood supply to the nails.
Preparations against the latest generation of fungi completely eliminate the fungal infection. Moreover, these funds not only destroy the pathogenic fungus, but also contribute to the growth of the nail plate. As a rule, the course of use of such drugs varies from two to four months.
For external use, modern medicine offers several effective remedies. These include antifungal ointments and creams, aerosols and varnishes. Some of these tools are used in hardware processing of the nail plate from the fungus. With their help, the removal of the keratinized layer of the nail becomes more effective and painless. During the treatment of fungal diseases of the nails, it is necessary regularly, as agreed with the dermatologist, to process not only the nail plates, but also items of clothing and things with which the person is in direct contact. This is necessary to avoid secondary infection by nail fungus. In the absence of treatment for a fungal nail disease, the disease can lead to the loss of the nail plate, which causes discomfort during walking and pain in the finger.
The results of modern studies have shown that the fungus not only spoils the nail, but also harms the body as a whole, since the development of the fungus produces toxins that provoke the occurrence of allergic reactions and a sharp decrease in immunity.
It must be remembered that without treatment, a fungal nail disease will not disappear on its own. For this reason, it is necessary to find out the presence of the fungus at home as early as possible, since the last stages of the development of the disease are very difficult to even the most effective treatment.